Breast Lift
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Are you interested in breast lift?
Breast lift is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's
breast:
- To make drooping breasts less droopy.
- To balance a difference in breast shape.
- As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.
Breast volume can be changed with augmentation or reduction at the same time
as mastopexy or breast lift.
Planning your surgery
The way you feel about yourself is an important issue. You spent a lot of time and
effort keeping in shape, sometimes we can help to give the contour and shape that
is right for you. At your consultation we will listen to your medical history,
examine you, take photographs, and try to give you a look at what a change in breast
shape and volume will do for you. We will evaluate your health and explain which
surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your
breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are smaller than you wish, you may benefit
from augmentation, if to large from reduction.
Mastopexy or Breast lift can be done with a variety of techniques.
Standard Mastopexy looks a lot like a superior pedicle breast reduction with
not too much removed. It can be done with augmentation actually making the breast
larger as well as lifting and re-shaping the breast. This augmentation can be sub
muscular or sub glandular in the placement of the implant and a variety of implants
might be used. Another possibility is to use a portion of the patients own breast
tissue from the lower drooping portion of the breast and moving this tissue to produce
fullness in the upper portion of the breast.
Concentric Mastopexy uses a incision around the nipple areolar complex (the
nipple and the pigmented area around the nipple) that allows both an adjustment in the
diameter and placement of the nipple areolar complex. The breast looks better with a
nipple that is centrally located. If the nipples are eccentrically placed this is a
way to correct the problem.
Selection between these procedures depends on the shape of the breast, the
shape and size desired, and the degree of droop or ptosis. Augmentation will produce
a small lift to the breast but will move the nipple superiorly only a short distance.
If the nipple has descended below the level of the infra-mammary crease as projected
on the anterior surface of the breast then a lift is needed to correct
the ptosis.
The first step is to determine the ideal breast size. Every woman has in her
minds eye the notion of the ideal size, and sometimes it is difficult to discover just
what that size is. One of the best ways is the "dress up" manouever. Bring in the bra
that is the size you think you would like and we will try on implants and put on a knit
shirt that is a solid color, no frills or lace, so that you can get a sneak preview of
what your new size and shape will look like. It is hard to explain what a 300cc implant
will look like but fairly straight forward to look in the mirror and decide what is too
big or too small.
The next step is to judge how much this size will lift the breast in comparison
with the lift that is needed. The nipple looks the best as the center of the "bulls-eye".
If the breast is way low a standard mastopexy will be needed. A lesser lift can be achieved
with a concentric mastopexy.
At the end of the initial consultation you should have the information you need
to make an informed decision about the possibility of plastic surgery and a good understanding
of which procedure will produce the desired result.
Preparing for your surgery
We will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking,
smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your
surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.
Types of implants
A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution
known as saline. These implants are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Currently silicone
gel implants are not available.
Note
Breast lift is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated
with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. At the time of your
consultation these possibilities will be reviewed in detail.
The surgery
Breast Lift is a procedure done as an outpatient at our fully accredited operating rooms at the
Plastic Surgery Center, at the Asheville Surgery Center on Sweeten Creek Road, or at the Mission
Memorial Hospital. It is usually done as an outpatient and is often done under general anesthesia.
At any of these locations anesthesia will be provided by the anesthesiologists and CRNA's of
Asheville Anesthesia Inc. The operation takes an hour or two and then requires some quiet time
away from your usual schedule as you recuperate. Most women are more comfortable with ice and
some elevation as in a recliner. If an augmentation is performed as well and if the implants are
placed beneath the muscle, muscle relaxants and ice are used for the first two or three days.
Many people are up and about driving and doing light activities four to six days after the
operation. You may return to aerobic exercise in about three weeks. You will be seen in the
office in follow up at regular intervals. Mammograms are suggested for those in appropriate age
groups and special techniques for the mammograms assist in visualization of the
breast tissue.
We look forward to assisting you in achieving the shape and contour that you
desire.
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